Holiday hit (and miss) list: The worst gifts to give for the season

Andrea Honaker

Friday

Dec 13, 2013 at 12:01 AMDec 13, 2013 at 3:36 PM

'Tis the season of giving. Of course, it’s always the thought that counts when it comes to gift-giving, and the holidays are a wonderful time to show loved ones you care with a special something. However, a little extra thinking and foresight can go a long way when deciding on the perfect item for friends and family.

We’ve all received less-than-ideal presents at one time or another. A new survey by Lippe Taylor/SheSpeaks reveals some of the worst holiday gifts that women have received as well as the top things they want this year. Some of the most creative answers for “worst holiday gift ever” were paper napkins, doorknobs, candy bars, hotel shampoo and conditioner, a toilet seat and a belly button brush. May these results be a cautionary tale that the holidays are no time to throw caution to the wind and pick items at random.

WHAT WOMEN WANT … AND DON’T WANT

53 percent of women said clothing and accessories were at the top of their Christmas list this year … but only if they’re tasteful and the right size. 13 percent of respondents said that the worst holiday gift they ever received was a clothing item that was way too big or small, and 8 percent said it was an ugly sweater. Andrea’s advice: If you get a piece of clothing that’s too big, too small or that you just don’t like, consider giving it to Goodwill or another charity organization. “Ugly sweater” or “tacky sweater” parties are a trend these days, and you could save a questionable top for that occasion. However, exercise extreme caution and make sure the person who gave it to you won’t be at the gathering. Otherwise, you’re in for some hurt feelings.

39 percentwanted beauty products … but not cheap beauty products. Low-end beauty products were ranked as the worst gift by 8 percent of women. Andrea’s advice: If you have a pre-teen in your life, ask her if she’d like to have the makeup to experiment with and try out different techniques.

24 percentwanted jewelry … but only the nice stuff. 10 percent said their worst gift ever was cheap-looking jewelry. Andrea’s advice: The jewelry could be the perfect complement to a future Halloween costume or themed outfit. But if you just can’t see yourself ever wearing it, drop it off at Goodwill.

With 22 percent of votes, a tacky knick-knack ranked as the No. 1 worst gift. Andrea’s advice: Sometimes the tackier the knick-knack, the better. Knick-knacks can brighten up a workspace or even a car dashboard, and serve as something funky to make you smile when you’re having a bad day. Other options are to use the item in a craft project, take it apart for home or garden décor, or give it a new look with some paint. But if you just can’t learn to love it, give it away.

TO REGIFT OR NOT TO REGIFT

25 percent of respondents planned to regift this holiday season. Regifting can work in very limited situations. Say, for example, you get a really nice photo frame but already have frames coming out your ears at your house. If you know someone who loves photography and the frame looks like their style, you might be able to pull off a regift. Think to yourself: Would I buy something like this for my friend if I saw it in the store? If not, don’t give it to them. 12 percent of women said the worst gift they ever received was something that had already been used … a definite no no.

READERS RESPOND: The Gazette and The Star asked their Facebook fans: What’s the worst holiday gift you've ever received? Here are some of the responses.

“Something that I would never wear and a gift that I saw someone receive the year previous. If you are going to regift, make sure it's not to someone who saw you receive it.” – Arielle Napier

“A regifted sweater, that someone said was too big for her, so she thought I might enjoy it.” – Becky Mullins

“A regifted George foreman grill ... it still even had a piece of the last wrapping paper on it!” – Victoria Cuervo

“I will not be rude and call anyone out, because I appreciate all the gifts I get ... However, I once received a 4XL size top. I know I’m overweight, but I'm still a regular XL! I keep it in the closet and try to avoid it.” –- Amelia Williams

“Fragrance. Unless I have asked for it specifically, don't get it for me.” – Robin Ratkie, Beauty & Image Consultant

“A shower caddy, from my husband. While all my co-workers got jewelry and nice purses, I got that as one of my presents!” – Allison Losh Flynn

“I make a list throughout the year, every year. It’s a list of things I want/need for Christmas/birthday. It contains small-priced items, as well as some higher-priced items. Everyone knows I do this and will ask for my list. I will gladly send it. I even make sure my husband has an updated copy so that he can forward it to others upon request. What I can’t stand ... a gift that ISN’T on the list! I know that sounds selfish and petty, but I feel like you wasted your money buying me something you think I want, when it could've been spent on something I actually wanted! Lol.” –- Rhonda Saliba Anderson

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